In other parts of the country, health workers reported on duty as usual.

“Apart from salaries, workers are also facing other issues such as delayed promotions, arbitrary transfers, nepotism, cronyism and discrimination based one’s county of origin,” Dr Ng’ani told the Nation by phone.

The medic says he wants an independent commission formed — the Health Service Commission — to address issues facing doctors and other health workers in the devolved system of governance.

However, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Mr James Macharia, is adamant that the ministry will not allow the formation of a commission as “it is unconstitutional and goes against the spirit of devolution”.